The venerable Geneva International Motor Show, an automotive tradition since 1905, is officially ending its long-running journey, organizers announced on Friday. This decision marks the conclusion of one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious auto shows, a staple event in the automotive industry for over a century.
The inaugural Geneva International Motor Show drew 17,000 visitors in 1905, setting a standard for the burgeoning auto industry. Held in the shadow of the Swiss Alps, the show quickly became a vital platform for car manufacturers to showcase their innovations and for enthusiasts to experience the latest in automotive design and technology. Despite facing economic crises and two World Wars, the show resumed in 1923 and grew in prominence, peaking in 2005 with nearly 750,000 attendees.
However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a four-year hiatus, from which the Geneva Motor Show struggled to recover. The most recent edition in early 2024 saw only 37 exhibitors and 168,000 visitors, a significant decline compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019, which boasted 184 exhibitors and 602,000 attendees.
“The decision to cancel the Geneva International Motor Show permanently is extremely regrettable,” said Alexandre de Senarclens, president of the foundation’s permanent committee. “The lack of interest shown by manufacturers, coupled with the competition from the Paris and Munich shows, and the high investment required to sustain the Geneva show, has led us to this unfortunate conclusion.”
The Geneva International Motor Show’s struggle reflects broader challenges facing auto shows globally. With evolving industry dynamics, the rise of digital showcases, and shifting consumer interests, traditional auto shows have found it increasingly difficult to maintain their relevance and appeal.
Despite the end of the Geneva edition, the Qatar version of the show, which debuted last year, will continue. The Geneva International Motor Show Qatar will take place in Doha in November 2025, organizers confirmed, citing a successful inaugural event.
This decision highlights a pivot towards emerging markets and new formats, with the Doha edition likely to focus on innovative presentations and experiences tailored to a different audience.
The end of the Geneva show represents a poignant moment for the automotive world, closing a chapter on an event that has witnessed and celebrated the evolution of the car industry for nearly 120 years. As the industry continues to evolve, the legacy of the Geneva International Motor Show will remain a testament to the golden era of auto shows.
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